At the Local Government elections on 14 September 2024, as well as voting in the election, a referendum to determine the future number of Central Coast councillors was held on the same day. The community was asked the following question:

“Do you favour a reduction in the number of Central Coast councillors from fifteen to nine? 
This will result in three Wards with each Ward electing three councillors.”

The results of the referendum were announced on 30 September, with ‘yes’ receiving the majority vote (61.74% Yes, 38.26% No). This means the number of Councillors will be reduced to nine, starting from the 2028 term of Council.

The newly elected Council is responsible for determining how new wards will be created, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 which describes how councils can divide areas into wards and prescribes how this must take place that not less than 12 months before an election.

The community will have an opportunity for input through a public exhibition process.
 

What happens next?

Central Coast Council will develop a proposed Ward Boundary Plan, making sure there is less than a 10 percent variation in voters between each Ward. This will be placed on public exhibition so that community members and stakeholders can submit feedback on the proposed plan.

All submissions made throughout the public exhibition period will be considered by Council when determining the new Ward structure.
For more information on electoral boundaries go to NSW Electoral Commission’s website.

When will the reduction in councillors and wards come into effect?

At the next election term in 2028.

How will the new wards be determined?

Section 210A of the Local Government Act 1993 applies.
This states that before altering a council’s Ward boundaries, the council must:

• Consult the Electoral Commissioner and the Australian Statistician to ensure the proposed boundaries of its Wards correspond to the boundaries of appropriate districts and census districts
• Prepare and publicly exhibit a plan detailing the proposed division or alteration (the Ward boundary plan).

Why did Council undertake a Constitutional Referendum for reduced Councillors?

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, the number of Councillors can only be changed through a Constitutional Referendum.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 11 May 2021, Council resolved to hold a Constitutional Referendum on 4 September 2021 for voters to determine whether they favour a reduction in the number of Central Coast Councillors from fifteen to nine. 

However, due to the formal Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council, the Constitutional Referendum on Councillor and Ward numbers and the Central Coast Council election was postponed.

The Constitutional Referendum was be held at the same time as the local government election for Central Coast Council on 14 September 2024.

Who conducted the referendum?

The NSW Electoral Commission will conduct the referendum. The community already voted on a survey around the constitutional referendum in 2021.

Why did we vote?

In 2021, Council undertook community consultation asking community members to vote on their preferred option from three scenarios:
 

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